Background
Home location: Milwaukee, WI
Sport: Ultra-Distance Running
Profession and educational background: I am a registered and certified dietitian (MS) working with eating disorder patients and athletes day to day on how to eat appropriately to live or perform their sport. In addition, I am a certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor.
Years in sport of any kind: Running since 2008
Sports participated in: Road Running and Ultra-Running
Years in current sport: Road: 2008-current; Trail/Ultra: 2011-current
What got you started: I thought it would be a good idea to get the half marathon off my bucket list and it took off from there!
Other personal information you would like to share: The Boston Marathon is my absolute favorite road race of all time. I love trail running even more because of the physical and mental challenge it presents no matter where I run.
What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?
I was ranked 6th in the state (WI) in 2011 for the marathon. I currently ultra/trail run and my biggest accomplishment is placing 5th at Black Canyon in 2015 and continuously placing in the top 3 in all Midwest races since starting on the trails.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I cycle and hike. A lot. Cross training is huge for ultra-distance training and as valuable to ones success as a runner. I listen to my coach – it seems easy but so many athletes don’t do that! I listen to him because he is the expert and I’ve avoiding injury!
What would be your ultimate achievement?
I want to make the Altra Running team and place in the top 3 at Leadville this year, or Western States – when I get in (hopefully next year!).
How do you set your goals?
I set goals very high. If one sets goals that are limited they will never know their potential. I set goals to make the Olympic team or place at the most competitive races because they are limitless!
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
My biggest challenge is living in WI – there are no mountains or altitude. Its challenging but we make it work.
What is your diet like?
I am a dietitian. There is no such thing as a bad food, and athletes should not be dieting. Its all about moderation and living life. Following the 80/20 is what I do most – I eat whole grains, fruits, veggies, and plant proteins (I do not eat animal flesh) 80% of the time but 20% of the time – I enjoy myself! Treats are needed physically and mentally. It works, I promise.
How did you find Orange Mud? Favorite Product?
A friend recommended it to me! I absolutely love the handheld bottles. I have struggled to find a handheld that doesn’t leak or break or chafe me – this one is perfect! I highly recommend it. I have a hunch the bladder pack will be my second fav too. ;-)
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)?
I have to be biased and recommend my website for those needing nutritional guidance…www.fitwithfoodconsulting.com. I also recommend staying on top of the latest races and places to travel to race – it keeps things exciting in the running world.
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
I am a great road runner, but with my past over training I have a lot of potential for injury; its not helping me – so my breakthrough was switching to trails/ultra-running and nurturing that talent.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
The best advice I was given – RELAX. So much of our success and failures are based on stress. We need to stop worrying so much and be relaxing in training, racing, and everyday life. It goes by too quickly otherwise.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
I have learned to live with balance or moderation. I watch too many patients/clients live their life based on how others want them to live, and because of how society tells them to live. I want to be me and enjoy my life!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw from my teammates on the Orange Mud, Altra, Swiftwick, and Fluid Nutrition teams – its inspiring to see what these incredible athletes are doing in their sport.
Have you struggled with any injuries?
How do you manage them? I have struggled with many! When I started to run, I was overtraining and needed PT on both IT bands; I also tore both glut medius muscles, had 3 fractures in my legs, and now currently live with sciatica because in the past, I didn’t listen to my coach as I should have. I manage my sciatica by listening to my coach! And also stretching, rolling, and ensuring my pace doesn’t get too speedy for too long at a time – a marathon is typically okay for speed work.